Volunteer in Africa | Pathfinders

The most useful thing to remember when preparing for our Africa expeditions is to pack light. To do this though, you'll need to know what essentials to bring with you and to help you along, and so we've listed our recommendations below in the form of a packing checklist.

Packing Checklist for Africa Adventure Travel

Please note that this is a generic list that applies to all our trips - we will provide you with more specific pre-departure information for your particular expedition closer to your trip departure.

Very Important Documents

• Passport, travel insurance documents and other necessary official documents. Be sure also to bring some certified copies of these that are kept separate from the originals.
• Proof of vaccinations and inoculations recommended for the countries you intend to visit

Clothes and everyday items

• Sunscreen & lip balm, wide-brimmed hat
• Trainers &/or hiking shoes
• Sandals
• Torch, preferably head torch & batteries
• Sunglasses
• Glasses (or contacts) and spares just in case
• Lightweight waterproof jacket for the rainy season (usually November – April but this depends on the countries you are visiting so check country pre-departure information to confirm this)
• Fleece pullover (for nighttime) and a lightweight jumper
• Khaki, tan or other neutral-coloured bush wear that is breathable and lightweight (Note: Not with camouflage design)
• 2 shirts/blouses (long sleeved)
• 3-4 vests, shirts or T-shirts (short sleeved)
• 2 pairs trousers
• 1-2 pairs short and beach shorts for swimming if applicable
• Tracksuit pants
• Swimsuit plus beach/bath towel
• Mosquito & insect repellent
• A travel mosquito net - if you plan on sleeping outdoors when the weather is warm of if your expedition accommodation is tented camping.
• Water bottle
• Binoculars for game viewing
• Sleeping bag (medium warmness)
• Waterproof & secure bag for documents & money
• Daypack containing the following: personal medical kit, binoculars, camera, fleece, sunscreen, and water bottle
• A soft kit bag for main packing
• Camera with enough film and batteries for the duration of your placement. Electricity will be available at some points along your expedition so you can charge batteries.
• US Dollar spending money. If possible, bring currency In small denominations

Other useful items

• Notebook and pen
• Small sewing kit
• Personal medical first aid & hygiene kit
• Portable clothes line and pegs
• Plastic bags
• Pocketknife is handy but not a priority (not in your hand luggage!!)
• Diarrhea, headache tablets and antihistamines
• iPod/portable music player(our vehicles contain stereos)